Copa del Rey
“We have the utmost enthusiasm for the Copa. We have always approached it that way, and last year’s setback must serve as a lesson. The Copa is a beautiful competition. We saw it yesterday, and today there will also be surprises. In a single-elimination match, everything evens out. We represent a club, and I approach it with the greatest respect for the rival, and with total seriousness. We must bring the same motivation and excitement that they will. We need to stay very alert, because we know exactly what can happen in a one-off match.”
Estepona
“The good thing about football is that it always gives you a chance for redemption. What happened last year has to serve as a lesson. This year is completely different, we’re playing at their ground, and we must stay alert in a week with three matches. We need to maintain what we showed the other day and stay consistent. And that consistency means finding solutions and creating opportunities, relying on the commitment of the players, which they have already shown.”
Management
“I don’t see this as a match for ‘the substitutes.’ We still have today’s training session, and we also have a league match coming up. And in a Copa game, extra time is possible. We need to be very precise, manage things properly, and some players may possibly play again. I will look for solutions and adjust the rotation so we can maintain consistency across the board.”
Team cohesion and consistency
“Sometimes we take certain things for granted and end up falling short. Consistency is key. We must find that balance across the entire squad and individually as well. To take the step forward we want, we have to be consistent. The group is committed and trying, and it’s up to the coach to find the solutions, both in the Copa and in the league.”
Excitement and ambition
“Artificial turf? We train on it at the Annexe, so there are no excuses. We go into this with excitement and ambition, aiming to do well in the Copa. The competition is very important because of what we represent, and I can see it, the players are motivated to achieve something meaningful and move through the rounds.”
